TV Legend Ed McMahon Passes Away

There is sad news to report for TV fans, as NBC News has confirmed that Ed McMahon has died at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer.

Ed, who spent more than 30 years as Johnny Carson‘s co-host and sidekick on The Tonight Show, had been hospitalized at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital in L.A. in recent months for pneumonia related to his systemic bone cancer.

In addition to his decades on the late-night NBC talk show, Ed had success on his own as the original host of Star Search and, along with fellow TV legend Dick Clark, TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes. He was also the long-time face of the Publishers’ Clearing House Sweepstakes.

Last summer, Ed found himself back in the spotlight when financial troubles forced him to sell his home in order to avoid foreclosure. He also recently appeared — as a rapper, of all things — in commercials for Cash For Gold.

Ed leaves behind a wife of 16 years, Pam, along with five children. Our hearts go out to them during this time of grief.